International Paper (NYSE: IP), a global paper and packaging company, today announced that it has joined the World Environment Center (WEC), a global non-profit organization, to advance its business commitments and practices in enhancing sustainable development across its value chain.

International Paper employs more than 60,000 people across its worldwide business operations that include an extensive North American merchant distribution system with primary markets and manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. In 2010, International Paper was named No. 1 for the eighth consecutive year in the Forest Products sector of Fortune magazine's Most Admired Companies list. Ethisphere magazine also listed International Paper as one of the world's most ethical companies for the fourth consecutive year.

"Partnering with a credible, well-established organization like the World Environment Center is just another step in our sustainability commitments," said David Kiser, IP's vice president, Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability. "Exploring creative sustainable development strategies with WEC will help us in furthering our overall stewardship efforts. It will also support our work in sustaining socially responsible business practices, improving our environmental footprint, and increasing economic returns."

Dr. Terry F. Yosie, President & CEO of the World Environment Center, extended his welcome to WEC's newest member by stating, "Applying thought leadership as a means to take practical actions that create value for business and society is WEC's unique mission. International Paper is rapidly advancing the implementation of sustainable development across its global business operations, and WEC looks forward to both learning from and assisting the company's progress."

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global paper and packaging company with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include uncoated papers, industrial and consumer packaging and distribution. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., the company employs about 60,000 people in more than 20 countries and serves customers worldwide. 2009 net sales were more than $23 billion. For more information about International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit www.internationalpaper.com.

About the World Environment Center

The World Environment Center, headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices and operations in many emerging and developed markets, is unique in its direct application of sustainable development strategies and practices to the business operations of its members. WEC creates sustainable business solutions through individual projects in emerging markets; convenes leadership roundtables to shape strategic thinking across a range of sustainability topics; and honors industry excellence through its annual awarding of the Gold Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development. WEC conducts no advocacy activities. For more information, please go to www.wec.org.

World Environment Center

World Environment Center

The World Environment Center advances sustainable development through corporate business practices. Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Europe and Latin America, WEC creates business solutions through Executive Roundtables on key sustainability challenges, builds capacity of small enterprises in emerging markets, and honors industry excellence through its annual Gold Medal Award. WEC is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization. For more information, please visit www.wec.org.

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